Inter Miami CF are heading into the MLS Cup playoffs on the back of a strong but imperfect finish to their regular season. Lionel Messi claimed a historic second consecutive Golden Boot, finishing the campaign with 26 goals and 17 assists across 31 appearances, four goals clear of his nearest rival. It is a remarkable individual achievement that underlines just how central the 39-year-old remains to everything the club does, and coach Kily Gonzalez has made no secret of his belief that Messi deserves the MVP award for a third straight year.

The season ended with a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC, a result that summed up Miami's occasional vulnerability despite their obvious quality. Leading 3-0 at half-time, they conceded three times to surrender what should have been a comfortable victory. They finished second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, well behind Nashville SC's record-breaking 77. Still, second place carries real weight. The Herons secured a berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup for a fourth consecutive season, a mark of genuine progress under Gonzalez.

Off the pitch, Messi's future looks settled. Transfer sources have confirmed he has no intention of leaving on a winter loan, with his contract running through December 2028 and extension talks a possibility. Speculation linking him with a reunion alongside Neymar continues to grow.

Attention now turns to the playoffs, where Inter Miami host Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series beginning November 21 at Chase Stadium.